Student perceptions of free tap water at school: Is it just the unappealing drinking fountains?

INTRODUCTION: Children's poor access to free and appealing tap water is a public health concern because consuming water, as an alternative to sugary beverages, may be a simple and effective obesity-prevention strategy. In the fall of 2010, investigators conducted research to understand student perspectives of the factors that influence water consumption at school and to ultimately inform policy strategies to promote water consumption.

METHODS: Thirty-two California high school students (17 boys/15 girls) participated in focus groups examining opinions and practices around drinking water. Youth were Latino (53%), mixed race (25%), and African American (22%). Transcribed audio-recordings were analyzed using content analysis to identify codes and themes.

RESULTS: Most students reported: 1) rarely drinking from school water fountains because they were dirty and the water tasted bad, 2) recognizing the positive health benefits of drinking water, 3) likely drinking free tap water if clean, good tasting, cool water was easily available and accessible, 4) social stigma was not a barrier to drinking from water fountains, 5) consuming a wide variety of sports drinks and sugary beverages on a daily basis, and 6) they would likely drink the beverages that were available to them on school campuses.

DISCUSSION: Students desire clean and good tasting tap water in schools. Their view of undesirable water fountains is a major barrier, as this is the most common source of free tap water on school campuses. Strategies that alter this negative perception and policies that ensure safe, clean, and drinkable tap water from fountains are needed.